Chambana Sun

The Illinois Fighting Illini women's tennis team started their Big Ten campaign with a 4-3 win against Minnesota in Minneapolis. After securing the doubles point, Illinois went on to win singles matches at positions No. 6, 5, and 2.

With this victory, Illinois now holds a record of 6-6 overall and is 1-0 in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, Minnesota's record stands at 8-7 overall and 0-2 in the conference.

The Illini won their third consecutive doubles point of the season. McKenna Schaefbauer and Kasia Treiber secured a 6-2 victory at No. 3 doubles after overcoming an early tie at 2-2 by winning four straight games.

Megan Heuser and Kida Ferrari clinched the doubles point for Illinois with a 6-4 victory at No. 1 doubles. They trailed initially but then took control by winning the last four games.

In singles play, Treiber extended Illinois' lead with a decisive win at No. 6 singles. However, Minnesota responded with victories at No. 3 and No. 4 singles to level the score.

Freshman Ariel Madatali put Illinois back ahead with her win at No. 5 singles, making it 3-2 for the Illini.

Minnesota equalized again by winning a tiebreaker in the second set at No. 1 singles, setting up a decisive match at No. 2 singles.

Heuser won her first set but lost the second before dominating the third set to secure the win for Illinois in their Big Ten opener.

"FINAL SCORE: NO. 45 ILLINOIS (5-6; 0-0 B1G) 4, #60 MINNESOTA (8-6, 0-1 B1G) - Doubles - No. 1 – Megan Heuser/Kida Ferrari def. Kocevar/Liepert (MINN) - Singles - No. 2 – Megan Heuser def. Mia Liepert (MINN)."

The Fighting Illini will next face Wisconsin on Sunday, March 9th.